Electricity Usage Calculator – Calculate Your Power Costs Instantly

Free tool to estimate electricity consumption and costs for any appliance or your entire home

View Appliance Database Energy Saving Tips Resources & References

Select Appliance (Optional)

Appliance/Device Name

Wattage (W) * Usually found on the appliance label or manual

Hours Used Per Day *

Days Per Month *

Cost Per kWh ($) * U.S. average is approximately $0.16/kWh as of 2025. Check your utility bill for your exact rate.

💡 Your Electricity Cost Breakdown

Daily Energy

0.00 kWh

Daily Cost

$0.00

Monthly Energy

0.00 kWh

Monthly Cost

$0.00

Annual Cost

$0.00

📊 Comparison

vs. Average U.S. Household (863 kWh/month)

Your usage

Select Appliance

Appliance Name

Wattage (W) *

Hours Per Day *

Days Per Month *

Cost Per kWh ($) *

📊 Total Household Costs

Total Daily

$0.00

Total Monthly

$0.00

Total Annual

$0.00

📊 Comparison

vs. Average U.S. Household (863 kWh/month)

Your usage

How the Electricity Calculator Works

Our electricity usage calculator helps you understand how much power your appliances consume and what they cost to run. Here's what you need to know:

What Is a Kilowatt-Hour (kWh)?

A kilowatt-hour is a unit of energy equal to using 1,000 watts for one hour. For example, running a 100-watt light bulb for 10 hours uses 1 kWh of electricity. This is the standard unit utility companies use to bill you for electricity consumption.

Real-world examples: A typical LED TV uses about 0.1 kWh per hour, a refrigerator uses about 3-4 kWh per day, and a central air conditioner might use 3-5 kWh per hour when running.

How We Calculate Your Costs

The calculator uses this simple formula:

Daily Energy (kWh) = (Wattage ÷ 1,000) × Hours Per Day

Daily Cost = Daily Energy × Cost Per kWh

Monthly Cost = Daily Cost × Days Per Month

Annual Cost = Monthly Cost × 12

Average Electricity Usage by Home Size

Understanding how your usage compares to similar homes can help identify opportunities for savings:

Small apartment (under 900 sq ft): 500-750 kWh/month
Medium home (900-2000 sq ft): 750-1,500 kWh/month
Large home (2000-3000 sq ft): 1,500-2,500 kWh/month
Very large home (over 3000 sq ft): 2,500+ kWh/month

Interpreting Your Results

After calculating, you'll see color-coded results to help you understand your consumption:

Green (Low): Under $20/month - efficient usage
Amber (Medium): $20-50/month - typical household appliance
Red (High): Over $50/month - consider energy-efficient alternatives

Appliance Energy Usage Database

Browse typical wattages and usage patterns for common household appliances. Use these as a reference when calculating your electricity costs.

Appliance	Typical Wattage	Avg. Hours/Day	Est. Monthly Cost

Energy Saving Tips

Reduce your electricity bills and environmental impact with these practical tips:

Heating & Cooling

Heating and cooling typically account for about half (48-52%) of home energy costs according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Set your thermostat to 68°F in winter and 78°F in summer when you're home and awake. The Department of Energy reports you can save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs by adjusting your thermostat 7-10°F for 8 hours per day. Use a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures when you're away or sleeping, maximizing your energy savings without sacrificing comfort.

Appliances & Electronics

Look for ENERGY STAR certified appliances, which use 10-50% less energy than standard models. Unplug devices when not in use or use smart power strips to eliminate phantom power draw. Consider upgrading old appliances - a 10-year-old refrigerator uses twice the energy of a new model.

Lighting

Replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, which use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer. Use motion sensors and timers for outdoor and basement lighting. Take advantage of natural daylight whenever possible.

Water Heating

Lower your water heater temperature to 120°F. Install low-flow showerheads to reduce hot water usage. Insulate your water heater and hot water pipes to maintain temperature and reduce energy loss.

Home Improvements

Improve insulation in attics, walls, and basements. Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and ductwork. Consider installing a heat pump, which can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 50%.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is this electricity calculator? ▼

The calculator provides accurate estimates based on the wattage and usage information you provide. Actual costs may vary slightly due to factors like voltage fluctuations, appliance efficiency over time, and varying electricity rates. For the most accurate results, check your appliance's wattage on its label or manual, and verify your electricity rate on your utility bill.

Where can I find my appliance's wattage? ▼

Most appliances have a label or sticker showing their power consumption in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). This is usually located on the back, bottom, or near the power cord. You can also check the user manual, manufacturer's website, or use a power meter to measure actual consumption.

What's the average electricity rate in the US? ▼

As of 2025, the average residential electricity rate in the United States is approximately $0.16 to $0.18 per kWh, varying by source and measurement period. Rates have increased in recent years due to infrastructure investments and fuel costs. However, rates vary significantly by state, ranging from around $0.11 to $0.42+ per kWh. Hawaii consistently has the highest rates (over $0.40/kWh), while states like Idaho, Washington, and Nevada typically have among the lowest rates (under $0.12/kWh). Check your utility bill for your exact rate, as it can vary even within states.

How can I reduce my electricity bill? ▼

The most effective ways to reduce your electricity bill include: upgrading to ENERGY STAR appliances, switching to LED lighting, optimizing heating and cooling settings, unplugging unused devices, improving home insulation, using a programmable thermostat, and adjusting usage during peak rate hours if you're on a time-of-use plan.

Do appliances use power when turned off? ▼

Yes, many appliances draw "phantom power" or "standby power" even when turned off. Devices like TVs, cable boxes, game consoles, chargers, and appliances with displays or clocks can consume 5-10% of your total electricity usage. Use power strips to completely disconnect devices when not in use, or unplug them to eliminate phantom power draw.

What are the biggest energy consumers in a home? ▼

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration's 2020 Residential Energy Consumption Survey, the top energy consumers in most homes are: 1) Heating and cooling systems (approximately 52% of total home energy use), 2) Water heating (about 12-18%), 3) Appliances, electronics, and lighting (approximately 23-25% combined), 4) Refrigerators and freezers (4-6%), 5) Clothes washers and dryers (about 5%). Focus on heating/cooling system efficiency, proper insulation, and thermostat management for the biggest potential energy savings.

Disclaimer

The electricity usage calculator and information provided on this website are for educational and informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate estimates based on typical appliance specifications and usage patterns, actual electricity consumption and costs may vary based on numerous factors including:

Actual appliance efficiency and age
Individual usage patterns and behaviors
Local electricity rates and rate structures (time-of-use, tiered pricing, etc.)
Seasonal variations in energy consumption
Voltage fluctuations and power quality
Climate and environmental conditions

This calculator does not constitute professional electrical, financial, or energy auditing advice. For precise measurements of your electricity consumption, we recommend using a certified power meter or consulting with a licensed electrician or energy professional. Always refer to your utility bill for your exact electricity rates and consult with qualified professionals before making significant electrical or energy-related decisions.

The wattage values and usage estimates provided in our appliance database are based on typical industry standards, manufacturer specifications, and data from the U.S. Department of Energy and ENERGY STAR program. Your specific appliances may consume more or less power. Always check your appliance's label, nameplate, or manufacturer specifications for accurate power consumption information.

Rate Information: Electricity rate data is sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and represents national averages. Rates are updated periodically to reflect current market conditions but may not represent real-time pricing in your specific service area.

By using this calculator, you acknowledge that ElectricityUsageCalculator.com is not liable for any decisions made based on the estimates provided, and that all calculations should be verified with actual utility data and professional consultation when appropriate. Last updated: December 2025.

Resources & References

The information and data on this site are compiled from trusted sources in energy efficiency, electrical standards, and consumer energy education.

U.S. Department of Energy

Comprehensive energy efficiency resources, appliance standards, and home energy saving tips.

Visit Energy.gov →

ENERGY STAR Program

Official government program for energy-efficient products and practices, including appliance specifications.

Visit EnergyStar.gov →

U.S. Energy Information Administration

Official energy statistics, electricity rates by state, and residential energy consumption data.

Visit EIA.gov →

Environmental Protection Agency

Energy efficiency guidelines, environmental impact information, and conservation resources.

Visit EPA.gov →

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy

Independent research on energy efficiency policies, programs, and technologies.

Visit ACEEE.org →

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Research and data on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable energy solutions.

Visit NREL.gov →

Electricity Usage Calculator – Calculate Your Power Costs Instantly

💡 Your Electricity Cost Breakdown

📊 Comparison

📊 Total Household Costs

📊 Comparison

How the Electricity Calculator Works

What Is a Kilowatt-Hour (kWh)?

How We Calculate Your Costs

Average Electricity Usage by Home Size

Interpreting Your Results

Appliance Energy Usage Database

Energy Saving Tips

Heating & Cooling

Appliances & Electronics

Lighting

Water Heating

Home Improvements

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer

Resources & References

U.S. Department of Energy

ENERGY STAR Program

U.S. Energy Information Administration

Environmental Protection Agency

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Share Your Results

Save/Export Results